HPV Infections Drop By More Than Half in U.S. Teen Girls since Introduction of HPV Vaccine

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Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri encourage the HPV vaccine as a critical part of sexual health

St. Louis, MO - A study released today from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found Human papillomavirus infections (HPV) tied to cervical cancer fell more than half in U.S. teen girls since introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2006.

Each year, HPV causes about 27,000 cancers, most commonly cervical cancer in women (19,000 cases) and throat cancers in men (8,000 cases), the CDC says.

Because the virus is spread through sex, the CDC recommends the vaccine be given before teens become sexually active – advocating that girls and boys should be vaccinated at ages 11 or 12 – with vaccines up to age 26 for those who did not receive the vaccine in adolescence.

Paula Gianino, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri released the following statement:

"The HPV vaccine is a proven effective way to prevent HPV – reducing the risk of cervical and throat cancer in our patients. We encourage all parents to learn more and to consider having sons and daughters vaccinated. Likewise, we encourage all young women and men to get the HPV vaccine, to consider this as a critical part of your preventive health. All of our Planned Parenthood health centers have the vaccine available and welcome all patients with or without insurance."

Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri locations offering the HPV vaccine include: Grand, Central West End, North County, West County, St. Peters, and Fairview Heights.

Locations in Joplin and Springfield also offer vaccinations on-site.

For more information on vaccination, call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or visit www.ppslr.org.